What is Schizoid Personality Disorder?
One of a group of personality disorders described as odd or eccentric schizoid personality disorder is a long term condition recognized by a consistent pattern of behaviours. These will include a detachment from other people and a desire to be alone as well as a limited range of emotions and an avoidance of social interaction.
This can cause upset and discomfort for their family members as they find it difficult to make relationships or communicate with other people. The condition is more common in males than females and is generally diagnosed in early adulthood.
Whilst the condition can cause problems with relationships and their ability to work as their behaviours seem odd or unusual, people with the condition can generally function in everyday life.
Causes
Personality disorders are some of the least understood mental health conditions and their cause is still not fully understood by researchers. It is believed however that the following could contribute to its development:
· Having a relative with schizophrenia, schizoid personality disorder or schizotypal personality disorder.
· Some aspects of autism spectrum disorder resemble schizoid personality disorder so it’s believed they may be a genetic link between them
· Being brought up by a parent that is emotionally detached
· Having suffered abuse or neglect as a child
· Men are more likely to develop it than women
Signs and Symptoms
· Avoiding social situations
· Not responding to praise or criticism
· Indifference to other people’s expectations
· Lack motivation
· Are detached and seem aloof
· Having difficulty relating to others
· Rarely shows or seem to feel strong emotions
· A desire to be alone
· Show little affection or interest in sex
· Having no interest in relationships
· Lacking interest in anything and seeming dull
· An inability to enjoy activities with other people
· Can daydream and be preoccupied with fantasies of another life
· Tend to choose activities and jobs of a solitary nature
Due to the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder it can sometimes lead to anxiety or depression.
Professional Help
People with schizoid personality disorder rarely seek professional help for the condition as they don’t like interacting with other people. Also their thoughts and behaviours do not cause them any problems so they don’t feel the need to. For this reason it can be challenging to treat as they can find it difficult to develop a relationship with a therapist if they do decide to seek help.
Therapies including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), which is designed to change behaviours, can be successful in teaching sufferers to change their thoughts and behaviours regarding social situations and be less reluctant to engage with other people.
Psychotherapy focuses on increasing coping skills as well as improving self-esteem, communication and social interaction.
Group therapy can prove helpful as a way to socialise with others once they have become more comfortable and confident; family therapy can help their family members to better understand the condition and help understand their expectations of their relationship.
There are no specific medications to treat schizoid personality disorder but antianxiety medication or antidepressants can be prescribed for people who suffer from associated anxiety or depression. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.
